Gun Control: “It’s All Over But The Shouting”

Defense Distributed (DD) is a small Texas company that has developed and published online digital files that may be used to make firearms either by 3D printing or computer controlled milling machines. It is the brainchild of self- described libertarian anarchist Cody Wilson.

In 2013, DD uploaded software files for the 3D printing of the “Liberator,” a single shot pistol, and a lower receiver (the part regulated by federal law) of the much maligned AR-15 rifle. According to the Associated Press, the software was downloaded over 100,000 times in the first 24 hours. The downloads continued for days thereafter, and the software became (and remains) widely available on numerous free access websites. It was game, set and match for Wilson and DD.

Nevertheless, within days of the initial online posting, the Obama Department of State ordered DD to cease making the software available online. Citing the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations, the State Department contended that this was necessary to protect national security by restricting the export of this “military technology” abroad.

DD filed suit in federal district court seeking a preliminary injunction against the Obama administration.

The district court, citing the “public’s keen interest in restricting the export of defense articles,” declined to issue the preliminary injunction but did not dismiss DD’s lawsuit

In July 2018, DD and the Trump State Department settled the case. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, DD would be permitted to once again upload its software.

The actions of the Obama State Department and the lawsuits by the Democrat attorneys general have merely demonstrated once again the utter futility of gun control. DD’s software is only the tiniest tip of the iceberg.

The bottom line is this: there is and can be no such thing as effective gun control.

There is no way for the government to meaningfully restrict possession of the millions of firearms in civilian hands

Putting aside the mandate of the Second Amendment, are 90 million Americans to be turned into outlaws by legislative fiat? And how are these newly minted criminals to be stripped of their firearms?

The gun control advocates may not realize it, but they lost the fight long ago. It’s all over but the shouting.

George Parry is a former federal and state prosecutor who practices law in Philadelphia.